“Yes, it is a commitment of time and energy. But, our Zion congregation wants people to know that God loves people. What better name than to use the translation for the Hebrew word that means ‘God's love, compassion, charity, and mercy’! The word we use for many English translations is a compound word, ‘lovingkindness,’” Pastor Dave said. “Our new radio program, ‘God’s Lovingkindness in the Morning,’ is a five minute devotional which will air on WHEP at 8:34 AM weekdays with an emphasis on the Bible."

     Pastor Dave noted that, “On Sundays the program will expand to 15 minutes and air at 6:44 AM. The program is focused on God’s Word, so central to Lutheran understanding and teaching. God’s Word is always an encouragement to people of faith and hope for those seeking God. That’s why Ira Stanphill could pen the words in that hymn of generations past, 'Sing them over again to me--Wonderful words of Life./ Let me more of their beauty see--Wonderful words of Life./ Words of life and beauty, Teach me faith and beauty:/ Beautiful words, wonderful words, Wonderful words of Life.’ We still live in a time when we need those wonderful words found in God’s Holy Word.”

     "God’s Lovingkindness in the Morning" began as a grant proposal to the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations (AFLC) in January of this year. Several months later Zion Lutheran Church of Silverhill learned that it was one of eight congregations in the AFLC to share in Thrivent Financial for Lutherans' Foundation’s “Church Extension” program. That program seeks to develop new congregations and assist established congregations to undertake special evangelism programs. Now with grant funds in hand, the Zion congregation invites folks in Central Baldwin to "tune in WHEP for a year of radio broadcasts focused on God's Word," Pastor Dave says. He notes that congregation members Charles Canning and Peter Midgarden have an oversight role in grant management and direction.